Decent Sword Pic
I've always been a fan of Clive Owen and I love movies with a medieval theme of knights and honor. This movie has that. While not a classic, it is certainly entertaining and rewarding.
The plot is based on the story from 47 Ronin. Instead of Samurais, we get knights. Its not really set in any specific time period or location so the accents aren't an issue. Morgan Freeman is Bartok, a Lord who refuses to pay homage to the corrupt minister, Geza Mott portrayed by Aksel Hennie. Insulted, Hennie begins assaulting Bartok who retaliates. This is considered a attack on the emporer so Bartok is arrested. Clive Owen is Bartok's loyal knight, Raiden. He is forced to perform the execution of his Lord and vows revenge. Raiden's lieutenant, Cortez, played by Cliff Curtis promises to remain loyal.
The movie then shifts several months into the future. Bartok's lands and home were seized and his family, subjects, and knights are kicked out on the street. Raiden has become a drunk and his knights have disbanded. Mott's bodyguard, Ito, himself a knight of honor, is tasked with keeping tabs on Raiden to ensure he does not attempt the life of the minister.
The movie then becomes a revenge drama as Raiden attempts to regain Bartok's honor. The first 45 minutes are rather slow, but the action picks up in the second half and I really enjoyed the assault on Geza Mott's castle. I think it was one of the best directed, acted and filmed scenes of this kind in any swashbuckling movie in a long time.
Where this movie suffers is the dialogue. Its very stiff and stilted. Since this is not set in any one era, they could have used any slang or dialect they wished, but the writers settled on something that sounds like a person new to their language. It also is too serious and filled with passionate displays of loyalty. It was a bit over the top for me.
The acting is top notch as you have some really good talent here. Freeman, Owen, and Curtis really delve into the roles. I just wish with that much talent they would have concocted a better movie. It felt like some of it was cut out to limit the run time.
Overall, a fun film and I enjoyed it a lot.
My memory foam pillow says it can't remember my face. I can tell its lying.